The Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation picture is slightly clearer, if one reads between the lines of what manager Don Mattingly said Wednesday.

Before LA's Cactus League game against the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, Ariz., Mattingly gave his thoughts on Aaron Harang, who is one of three veteran pitchers on the outside for a rotation spot. The consensus is that two of the three—among Harang, Ted Lilly and Chris Capuano—would head to the bullpen and the other would probably be traded.

Aaron Harang isn't an ideal candidate for the bullpen, according to his manager. (AP Photo)

“Aaron Harang doesn’t seem like the kind of guy that pitches out of the 'pen,” Mattingly told reporters. “To me he’s more of a guy that paints. He keeps you in the game. He’s just not that guy that’s going in and overpowering you.”

Harang then went out and gave up four runs, five hits and a walk in the first inning. He needed just nine pitches to retire the side in order in his second inning.

Mattingly's statement Wednesday doesn’t mean Harang’s only options are the rotation or another team, though. It’s not even March and a lot can happen between now and the regular season, mainly injuries.

The Dodgers know that and aren’t rushing into deals. A surplus allows a team to be patient; however, a veteran surplus also limits flexibility. None of the bullpen/trade candidates can be sent to the minor leagues.

“Everybody right now is going, ‘Oh, the Dodgers got eight starters. Great,’” Mattingly said. “Well, none of them have options. You can’t keep them anywhere. Once spring training is over and if they’re not on our roster, we don’t have any control anymore. So eight really turns into five.”